Kenny Rogers

b. Kenneth David Rogers, 21 August 1938, Houston, Texas, USA. Rogers was the fourth of eight children, born in a poor area, where his father worked in a shipyard and his mother in a hospital. By sheer perseverance, he became the first member of his family to graduate. By 1955 Rogers was part of a doo-wop group, the Scholars, who recorded Poor Little Doggie, Spin The Wheel, and Kangewah, which was written by gossip columnist Louella Parsons. At 19, he recorded That Crazy Feeling for a small Houston label. Rogers brother, Lelan, who had worked for US Decca, promoted the record and its limited success prompted the brothers to form their own label, Ken-Lee, although Kenny Rogers managed Mickey Gilley, Kenny Rogers. (Rogers says the worst aspect of touring is being bombarded with grey-bearded lookalikes!) You Decorated My Life was another US hit and then came Coward Of The County (US number 3, UK number 1). This song too became a successful television movie and the album KENNY, sold five million copies. Rogers also made the documentary 'Kenny Rogers And The American Cowboy', and a concept album about a modern-day Texas cowboy, GIDEON, led to a successful duet with one of its writers Kim Carnes, Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer (US number 4). Rogers' also had success with Love The World Away from the soundtrack of the film, Urban Cowboy, and Love Will Turn You Around from 'Six Pack', a lighthearted television movie in which he starred. Rogers' voice was ideal for Lionel Richie's slow-paced love songs and Lady topped the US charts for six weeks. This was followed by I Don't Need You (US number 3) from the album Richie produced for Rogers, SHARE YOUR LOVE. Rogers and Sheena Easton revived the Bob Seger song, We've Got Tonight (US number 6). Having sold 35 million albums for United Artists, Rogers moved to RCA and EYES THAT SEE IN THE DARK was produced by Barry Gibb and featured the Bee Gees. It included Islands In The Stream (US number 1, UK number 7) with Dolly Parton, which was helped by her playful approach on the video. Further US hits include What About Me? with James Ingram and Kim Carnes and Make No Mistake, She's Mine with Ronnie Milsap. Surprisingly, Rogers has not recorded with his close friend Glen Campbell, although he took the cover photograph for his album, SOUTHERN NIGHTS. Rogers was also featured on the most successful single ever made, USA for Africa's We Are The World. George Martin was an inspired choice of producer for THE HEART OF THE MATTER album, which led to two singles which topped the US country charts, Morning Desire and Tomb Of The Unknown Love. The title track from THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USED TO was the theme song for the Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster film, Tough Guys, but overall, Rogers' services on RCA may have disappointed its management who had spent $20 million to secure his success. Rogers returned to Reprise but the opening track of his first album, Planet Texas, sounded like a joke. His son, Kenny Rogers, Jnr, sang background vocals on his father's records and launched his own career in 1989 with the single, Take Another Step Closer. Now, Rogers breeds Arabian horses and cattle on his 1,200-acre farm in Georgia and has homes in Malibu, Bel Air and Beverly Hills. He owns entertainment centres and recording studios and has 200 employees. This is impressive for someone who was described by Rolling Stone as an ‘overweight lightweight’. He says, ‘I've never taken my talent that seriously. At one time I had a three-and-a-half octave range and sang the high parts in a jazz group. Now I don't use it because I don't have to. If Muhammad Ali can beat anyone without training, why train?’